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The law distinguishes between urgent (emergency) repairs and those which are not so urgent. Urgent repairs are: a burst water service or a serious water service leak a blocked or broken toilet a serious roof leak a gas leak a dangerous electrical fault flooding or serious flood damage serious storm or fire damage a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the premises a failure or breakdown of the hot water service a failure or breakdown of the stove or oven a failure or breakdown of a heater or air-conditioner a fault or damage which makes the premises unsafe or insecure. If urgent repairs are needed you should notify the landlord or agent right away. The landlord or agent must arrange for the repairs to be done as soon as possible. If you cannot reach them, check your tenancy agreement for the details of a nominated trades person to contact. If urgent repairs are not done within a reasonable time you may be able to arrange for the work to be done and be reimbursed by the landlord (but only up to $1000). However, you must be able to show that: the need for the urgent repair was not your fault you contacted the landlord or agent about the problem or made a reasonable attempt to do so you gave the landlord or agent a reasonable opportunity to get the repairs done the repairs were carried out by a licensed trades person (if appropriate). You must give the landlord written notice setting out the details of the repair and copies of all receipts. The landlord is required to pay you back within 14 days of receiving your notice. If they do not you can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an order. If urgent repairs are likely to cost more than $1000 or you cannot afford to pay, you can apply to the Tribunal for an urgent hearing order for the landlord to get the repairs done.